Stuart Varney and Ashley Webster look at why Gen Z and millennial travelers arrive hours early at airports. Ashley Webster highlights a shift toward using credit card benefits to access airport lounges for free drinks, food and Wi-Fi. Southwest Airlines is revamping its loyalty program, adding new premium status with unlimited Companion Pass travel and giving travelers more ways to earn and redeem points. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Southwest’s current A-List status will become Silver and A-List Preferred status will become Gold. The airline is also introducing a new Platinum tier above both, according to a Thursday news release. Platinum members will receive unlimited travel with the Companion Pass, allowing them to bring a designated companion on Southwest-operated flights. Travelers will also be able to unlock perks as they work towards a higher status level. MAJOR AIRLINES CUT FLIGHTS AS HIGHER JET FUEL PRICES HIT CARRIERS Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Southwest’s current A-List status will become Silver and Preferred A-List will become Gold. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images) Members working toward Silver status can choose rewards like Rapid points. Rewards or seat certificates, while those between Gold and Platinum can earn three trips with the Companion Pass, according to Southwest. Southwest credit cardholders will also get a faster path to status. Starting in January, Rapid Rewards credit cardholders will earn one tier qualification point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. The airline is also expanding how travelers can use their Rapid Rewards points. AIRPORT LOUNGES OPEN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PREMIUM PUSH Platinum members will receive unlimited travel with the Companion Pass, allowing them to bring a designated companion on Southwest-operated flights. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Starting in spring 2027, members will be able to earn and redeem points for travel through new partnerships with Icelandair, China Airlines and Etihad Airways. Later in 2027, travelers will be able to use points to pay for seat selections on Southwest flights, including Extra Legroom and Preferred seats. Ticker Security Last change Change % LUV SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 40.83 +1.49 +3.79% Members will also be able to redeem points for rental cars starting in November 2026. The changes come amid a broader effort by Southwest to offer more premium benefits. TRUMP’S TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY DUFFY ANNOUNCES RELIEF FOR SPIRIT AIRLINES FLYERS AND EMPLOYEES The airline announced last month that it plans to open its first network of airport lounges. (Southwest Airlines) Southwest announced last month that it plans to launch its first network of airport lounges, called Southwest Icon Lounges, starting in late 2027 through a partnership with Chase. Access will be available through a new premium Southwest credit card launching in 2027. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Southwest also plans to bring Starlink Wi-Fi to its entire fleet by fall 2027, with free Wi-Fi available to Rapid Rewards members where offered.
